If Lawrence Eagleburger, Madeleine Albright or Condoleezza Rice bought one of the newly converted condos at 220 West 93rd Street, those secretaries of state would probably spring for the building’s $135,000 “upgrade package” to get a brand-name fridge, subway tiles and granite countertops.

But stoic, sensible Colin Powell and his wife, Alma, are different. According to city records, a trust in Ms. Powell’s name paid $1.85 million last month for a two-bedroom apartment at the 81-year-old building. They’re the first buyers in the 1,797-square-foot space, which had been a rental.

Though the listing broker, Louise Phillips Forbes, an executive vice president at Halstead Property, would not speak about the deal, she said, “There are many people who have opted to take our renovation package, and we’re doing new kitchens, three new bathrooms, washer and dryer, radiator covers and redoing floors.

“Or,” she said, “there are people that actually wanted to do their own thing.” That’s what the Powells are doing—which means taking the place in “as-is” condition, to quote the listing. On the bright side, the family will get an A-line layout, original herringbone floors, French doors and 1920’s-era moldings.

“It’s one of those very elegantly well-appointed apartments,” she said.

It isn’t clear if the condo will be for Secretary Powell and his wife, or maybe their daughters or anti-indecency son Michael, who has two children. But there are two corner bedrooms with open city views in the apartment (“You get tops of the Park,” the broker said) plus an extra space for a maid or an office or a grandchild.